Sunday 23 November 2014 16:18, UK
Richie McCaw was ‘pretty proud’ to cap his 100th Test as New Zealand skipper with a resounding victory over Wales in Cardiff.
The 34-16 win completes a clean sweep of autumn internationals for the All Blacks, who recorded wins over England, Scotland and Wales in their final visit to European soil before next year's World Cup.
Flanker McCaw will be 34 by that time but New Zealand are planning for him to remain as the team’s captain. He has now played 137 times for his country and has an 88 per cent win record as skipper.
"It's one of the great places to play, the Millenium Stadium, and it was like that today," said McCaw, who guided the All Blacks to World Cup victory in 2011.
You find a way to take the opportunities when they come about and we came off the pitch with a scoreboard which was reasonably comfortable in the end.
"You find a way to take the opportunities when they come about and we came off the pitch with a scoreboard which was reasonably comfortable in the end.
"It's a pretty proud moment from a team point of view and I guess from a personal point of view to have got the job done.
"We can go and have a wee bit of time off now and reflect on what's been a good year that we've finished off with a good performance."
The autumn Tests, which began with a comfortable 74-6 victory for New Zealand over the United States, were valuable for coach Steve Hansen, especially in terms of assessing his senior players such as McCaw.
"We've learnt some valuable lessons along the way this season on individuals," Hansen said.
"Everyone said at the beginning of the season, he (McCaw) is too old, Keven (Mealamu) is too old, but both have shown they've got plenty left in them.
"It's a remarkable achievement (to get 100 caps as captain).
“I don't think in any contact sport it's ever been done. He should be very proud of himself, because we're very proud of him."
